“And my wife, who I love more than life itself, would be miserable and unhappy, and I’d never get any time alone with her. No thanks.”

“It’s not that simple.”

He shifted the car into reverse and backed out of the parking space. “It’s exactly that simple.”

She shook her head. “I’m not done talking about this.”

“There’s no point in talking about it. I told Nelson I’m not interested.”

“That doesn’t mean he isn’t interested. From what I heard, you’re still his first choice. And besides, are people allowed to say no to the president?”

“I don’t think there’s any law against saying no to him.”

“There has to be. Look into that for me, will you?”

“Sure, babe. Whatever you want.” He squeezed her hand. “So tell me something. When’re you planning to sleep?”

“Right after the meeting. Shower and bed.”

“Good. That’s one less fight we need to have today.”

“Mmm.” She took advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the comfortable heated seats, the pleasure of his hand holding hers and the appealing scent of him in the car to close her eyes just for a minute.

“Babe.” She leaned toward the sound of his voice. “Babe, wake up. We’re home.”

“I wasn’t asleep.”

“Sure, you weren’t.”

Sam forced her eyes to open and stay that way. “I need to go over to my dad’s for a few minutes before the meeting. I want to see Scotty and see if I can kiss and make up with Skippy.”

“Good plan. I’ll go with you to make sure you don’t fall over while you’re there.”

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

Sam and Nick went up the ramp to her dad’s house and stepped inside where Scotty, Abby and Ethan were in their pajamas watching a movie and sharing a bowl of popcorn.

“Sam!” Eight-year-old Abby got up so fast she almost dumped the popcorn, which Scotty caught right before it toppled over.

Sam scooped up her niece and hugged her, breathing in the scent of her flowery shampoo. “Hey, sweet girl.” She kissed Abby’s cheek. “How goes it?”

“Good, except we’re watching Cars.” She made a face, and her blond curls bobbed. “The boys picked it.”

“Next time is your choice, right?”

“Yeah.” She burrowed into Sam’s neck, and Sam held on a little tighter. “Sam?”

“Uh-huh?”

“Is Brookie going to be okay?”

“Yes, baby. She’s going to be fine.”

“Ethan said...”

“What did he say?”

“That she was doing drugs and other bad stuff. Is that true?”

“Some of it’s true, but I don’t want you to worry about her. The doctors are taking really good care of her, and your mom and dad are with her. If she feels better tomorrow, we’ll take you and Ethan to see her, okay?”

“Okay.”